If you want to quit using hydrocodone, you probably have a few questions. The most common question that people have is, “How long does hydrocodone withdrawal last?” The truth is that hydrocodone withdrawal differs from person to person, as is the case with many addictive substances. Since no two individuals process and metabolize a drug identically, the withdrawal symptoms can vary. While the degree of severity may differ, withdrawal is unpleasant, and a common reason for relapse as individuals seek to alleviate the discomfort of withdrawal. Below are general guidelines to inform and educate you on the nature of hydrocodone withdrawal.
At San Antonio Recovery Center, we are experienced, compassionate professionals who are ready to help you find the path to recovery. Call 866.957.7885 today to learn more about our hydrocodone addiction treatment program.
How Long Does Hydrocodone Withdrawal Last?
The onset of hydrocodone withdrawal starts within a few hours of your last dose wearing off. During this time, you’ll likely experience symptoms such as:
- Diarrhea
- Drug cravings
- Cold sweats
- Mood swings
- Sleep disturbances
In general, the most severe hydrocodone withdrawal symptoms start at the 72-hour mark. After this peak, most major withdrawal symptoms continue for seven to 10 days. Some mild withdrawal symptoms can last for several months. In either case, you’ll continue to crave hydrocodone during withdrawal, but these cravings will eventually lessen or subside altogether.
Variations In How Long Does Hydrocodone Withdrawal Last
The answer to “how long does hydrocodone withdrawal last?” isn’t set in stone. While the above timeline gives you a general overview of hydrocodone withdrawal symptoms, they can vary. The symptoms differ between individuals depending on a number of factors. For example, the longer you take hydrocodone, the longer your withdrawal symptoms will last.
Studies also show that people with underlying mental disorders take longer to go through the withdrawal process. Addiction itself is a mental disorder, which explains the connection between the two. Lastly, your mindset will play a significant role in how quickly you overcome withdrawal. If you believe in your recovery and give it your all, you stand a better chance of overcoming addiction.
In-Depth Timeline
Hydrocodone withdrawal symptoms usually start within hours of your final dose fading out. During the following 24 to 72 hours, you’ll experience extreme withdrawal conditions. However, after the first few days, the symptoms will start to ease.
- During the first week, you’ll experience symptoms such as exhaustion, depression, and waves of intense cravings for the drug.
- At the two-week mark, you’ll start to experience different withdrawal symptoms such as muscle aches, insomnia, and irritation.
- Into the third and fourth weeks, most of the intense cravings will subside. However, you may still experience withdrawal symptoms such as trouble sleeping, waves of depression, and irritability.
Enrolling in a detox clinic during this time is often a good idea. The doctors and nurses can use medications or holistic treatments to relieve your symptoms.
You Can Fight Back Against Your Addiction
You don’t have to let hydrocodone control your life any longer. At San Antonio Recovery Center, we strive to make addiction treatment affordable. One major method for treating hydrocodone addiction is therapy.
Addiction therapy is a follow-up to detox, which heals the body. Psychotherapy instead focuses on healing the mind, tackling the roots of addictive behaviors. Therapy also handles co-occurring mental disorders through dual diagnosis treatment. The types of therapy used to treat hydrocodone addiction can be split into the holistic approach and evidence-based modalities.
At San Antonio Recovery Center, therapies used to treat hydrocodone addiction include:
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
- Animal Assisted Therapy
- Art Therapy
- Behavioral Therapy
- EMDR Therapy
- Exercise Therapy
- Experiential Therapy
- Family Therapy
- Holistic Therapy
- Individual Therapy
- Meditation Therapy
- Mindfulness Training
- Motivational Enhancement Therapy
- Music Therapy
- Nutritional Therapy
- Outdoor Therapy
- Recreational Therapy
- Trauma Therapy
- Yoga Therapy
Addiction does not have to rule your life. San Antonio Recovery Center can give you the tools and treatment necessary to break the cycle of addiction and find the road to recovery. Reach out to us today to learn more about our addiction rehab programs. Call us at 866.957.7885 to see how we can help you.
